SXSW Baby! Film

“Panel Picker” now live for all three SXSW 2010 conferences

2009-06-01T18:21:44Z

The “Panel Picker” is back for SXSW 2010 and the folks at South By have dialed it up to 11 this year, as the opportunity to submit panel proposals through the online interface has been extended to all three SXSW conferences: Interactive, Film and Music.

Check out the FAQ for complete details but here are the dates to remember: Panel submissions will be accepted from today through July 10. After that, voting on the proposals will be opened to the community from August 10–28.

After that, SXSW will use the community feedback along with guidance from its staff and advisory boards to make the final programming decisions for the March 2010 conferences.

Put on those creative caps and get to submittin’!

See you next year! Dates for SXSW 2010

2009-03-22T18:17:47Z

As things wind down (well, as much as they ever do in Austin) for SXSW 2009, the faithful are already planning for next year’s conferences and festivals. Mark your calendar!

SXSW Interactive: March 12–16, 2010
SXSW Film: March 12–20, 2010
SXSW Music: March 17–21, 2010

SXSW Baby! Social Agenda, Tuesday, March 17

2009-03-17T14:06:54Z

It’s the last night of the Interactive conference, the eve of the Music festival and, of course, Film just keeps chugging along. If you’re in the mood for a bit of chugging (or sipping or conversing or what have you) tonight, have a look at this sampling of post-conference events:

St. Patrick’s Last Stand: Party like a patron saint (yeah, we don’t know what that means exactly) at the PureVolume House from 10 pm until 4 am, sponsored by Crash Corp, Avenue Labs, PureVolume and the inimitable Rick Webb.
Brit Bash: Latitude 30 will vibrate with goodness from across the sea, including performances by The Proclaimers, Alice Russell, The Post War Years, and The Webb Sisters.
Squarespace Party with Totally Rad Show 2.0: It’s a live taping of the Totally Rad Show, followed by a performance from The Last Place You Look.
Media Temple Interactive Closing Party: It’s sad to say goodbye, my loves, but if we must, we might as well do it at the official closing party of Interactive at La Zona Rosa. Performances by Voxtrot, Franki Chan, Prince Klassen and Winter Gloves, and free to SXSW Interactive, Music and Film badge holders.

And it’s St. Patrick’s Day in Austin, the relative calm before the storm of a massive music festival. Sixth Street will be chock-a-block with celebrants, and no doubt you’ll find plenty of diversions all over town. Check out listings on Upcoming, Showlist Austin, sched.org or the official SXSW site.

SXSW Baby! Social Agenda, Monday, March 16

2009-03-16T14:00:47Z

So, you survived the Ides of March and are probably absorbing many, many Ideas of March. Got room in your noggin for more? Good, because there’s bound to be plenty of great conversation (and liquid refreshment, natch) at this small sampling of today’s post-panel evening events.

Austin on Rails Happy Hour: Ruby, don’t take your love to town. Take it to Buffalo Billiards from 6 until 9 pm to lift a glass and have a munch with Rails developers in the upstairs Rec Room. Interactive badge or RSVP required.
Plutopia EFF Party: This is a big one. Five bands on three stages and more than 80 artists. Headliners include The Heather Gold Show, Bruce Sterling and Ian McLagan & The Bump Band. Free to SXSW badgeholders, $10 for all others at the door.
Nuclear Taco Night: Yep, there’ll be a hot time in Brush Square Park tonight. Now in its seventh year, this event is a testament to taste bud stamina. Plus cool treats from The Ice Cream Man and music by Hilary York.
20x2 v 9.0: What’s It Gonna Take?: Twenty speakers from diverse walks of life, each given two minutes to answer one question, through spoken word, music, media and, just possibly, interpretive dance. Free to Interactive badgeholders, small cover for others.
The Great British Booze-up: Come hoist a few with the geeks from Ol’ Blighty at Shakespeare’s Pub. DJ Clagnut spins the tunes.
Interactive/Film Fusion: “Where Interactive and Film unite.” Well, we’ll see. Enjoy a hosted bar and nibbly bits, plus the world premiere of Sparhusen at Red Eyed Fly from 8–10 pm.
DandyID/Brightkite Party: Geolocation and online identity management kick out the props to party into the AM at the PureVolume House. RSVP required.
Mashable/Blurb Bash: Meet the Mashable crew for comp drinks and tuneage from DJ Marko at Six Lounge. Free to SXSW badge holders, but RSVP encouraged.
32-Bit: The sequel to the popular 8-Bit and 16-Bit parties of the past two years. Massive fun at a secret location to be revealed by Twitter only. Follow @32bit to get the deets.
South by Northwest: Those crazy folks from the upper left-hand corner of the country—Acquia, Blue Flavor, Rackspace and Raincity Studios—take over the Iron Cactus from 10:30 until closing time. This is the fourth year of delicious madness. We love this party. RSVP strongly encouraged.

You need more? Oh, there’s more. There’s so much more. Check out listings on Upcoming, Showlist Austin, sched.org or the official SXSW site.

SXSW Baby! Social Agenda, Sunday, March 15

2009-03-15T14:16:20Z

Believe it or not, all so far has been prologue. The SXSW party scene kicks into high gear tonight. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

All Hat, No Cattle: OK, this is actually a mid-day one, but hey, who doesn’t like shopping? Browse the wonderful eclectic shops along South Congress after brunch at Guero’s with a couple hundred of your closest friends and kin. We’re in!
Cupcake Social 2.0: Yep, cupcakes again. And everything’s tastier when you call it two-point-oh! Sponsored by Cupcakes Take the Cake.
Austin Werewolf: There’s a killer on the loose, and it might be you. Murder and mayhem at the Karma Lounge, free fun for all—all who manage to survive, that is.
Jonathan Coulton, Paul and Storm: Now that we’ve gotten that karaoke out of our system, come hear what a truly talented “geek troubador” sounds like. $20 tickets, at Antone’s.
The Avalonstar Bowling Extravaganza: In its fourth big year, this Interactive favorite continues to innovate. This year? Open bowling! Cheer on your favorite team or just come to bowl a few frames yourself. What’s sexier than geeks in rented shoes? Nothin’, that’s what.
Fray Café 9: Web celebs and civilians alike gather on the patio at the comfy Red Eyed Fly for an evening of personal storytelling. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably want to sign up for the open mic. We personally can’t wait to hear what rock star librarian Jessamyn West, one of several special guests, is gonna tell.
Bacon-Flavored Interactive After Party: You had us at “bacon”. Performances by Bacon Shoe and a raffle benefiting the Children’s Music Fund. And bacon? Please?
Google Reader Party: Oh yeah, baby, hot RSS and Atom action! The big G always puts on a great party, and they promise special treats for early arrivals. Interactive badge or invite required.

And of course, don’t forget the 12th Annual SXSW Web Awards ceremony, hosted by the utterly awesome Baratunde Thurston, at the Hilton at 7 pm (preceded by a pre-party at 6 pm).

More? Of course there’s more. Check out listings on Upcoming, Showlist Austin, sched.org or the official SXSW site.

Almost like being there

2009-03-14T20:34:59Z

Twitmatic is sharing a live stream of SXSW-related videos being posted about on Twitter. Film trailers, videos made by attendees, bizarre drunken verité—what’s not to like?

SXSW Baby! Social Agenda, Saturday, March 14

2009-03-14T18:07:28Z

What’s that? The first full day of the conference has barely begun and you’re already looking toward the night? Well, we say good on ya! Here are just a handful of this evening’s events you might want to hit after the panels wind down:

Bike Hugger Mobile Social BBQ: They call it the “intersection of bikes, technology, and culture.” We call it an opportunty to score some ‘cue and rock out with the Sycon DJs. Awesome.
The Bigg Digg Shindigg: Would you just look at all those extra G’s? Now that’s the sign of a good party, friend. Live music, DJs and confidence tricks from Scam School host Brian Brushwood. No badge required.
SXSW Interactive Opening Party: Hosted by Frog Design, this is a big one. Promising uniquely Austin entertainment and, if past is prologue, some killer lines for beer. Get there early. Interactive, Platinum and Gold SXSW badge holders only.
OK! Happy Cog’aoke: Zeldman sings! Well, maybe. Even if you haven’t Idol ambitions, you’ll probably get off on this friendly karaoke competition at the Scoot Inn, brought to you by Happy Cog.

Naturally, there’s a lot else going on. Hey, it’s Saturday night in the live music capital of the universe! For more events, check out listings on Upcoming, Showlist Austin, sched.org or the official SXSW site.

SXSW Baby! Social Agenda, Friday, March 13

2009-03-13T15:55:30Z

OK, before we start this thing, just remember: SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint. Trite and true, that should be your mantra for the days and nights to come. Don’t over-exert or over-commit yourself. There’s too much goodness in store to poop out early. Got it? Good. Don’t be afraid of Friday the 13th. It’s your lucky day now that you’ve made it to Austin, and here’s a selected round-up of events and parties to help you celebrate that great fortune:

Friday Night Mix at Six: Actually, it’s the Friday Night Mix at Six at 6 pm. Hosted by Social Media Group, it’s the official SXSWi pre-party atop the roof deck at Six, 117 W 4th St.
Blacks in Tech Meetup: A first-time event with an eye on diversity at the Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina, at 6 pm. Sponsored by Ogilvy and there’s no badge required to attend. Free refreshments and light food.
Interactive at the Movies: Take in a screening of The Two Bobs at the ACC Theatre, 1212 Rio Grande.
Pasties & Pastries: Or is it the other way ‘round? We always forget. You won’t want to forget this celebration of cupcakes and burlesque at Emo’s, 603 Red River. $15 at the door or free with an Interactive badge.
The TechSet Joins the Rat Pack: It’s gonna swing, baby! This event at the Belmont Lounge promises “style, swagger and distinction,” along with opportunities to network the digital elite. Free, RSVP required here.
AMODA Digital Showcase: Always a good time, presented by the Austin Museum of Digital Art, with interactive exhibits and the famous Laptop Battle with musicians competing for surpremacy, at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, from 9 pm until 2 am. Free for Interactive badge holders.
SXSW Film Opening Party: SXSW takes over Buffalo Billiards, 201 E. 6th, to celebrate the Sweet 16 of the Film Festival & Conference. Sponsored by A&E IndieFilms and free to Film badge holders.

There’s a taste, but there’s oh-so-much-more. For more events, check out listings on Upcoming, Showlist Austin, sched.org or the official SXSW site.

SXSW Interactive 2009 Extreme Sports Round-up

2009-03-13T08:45:30Z

Each year when our minds turn to SXSW Interactive, one topic inevitably leaps right to the top. That’s right, extreme geek sports. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a large gathering of geeks for a tech conference? Dazzling displays of athleticsm, AMIRITE?!

OK, perhaps not, but still, there’s a surprising variety of sports and games activities planned around and during South by Southwest Interactive.

Climbing: No, not the tech career ladder. Geeks Love Climbing has some rock-scaling planned for Sunday, March 15.

Biking: Enjoy a very literal “mobile social” with the folks from Bike Hugger, who’ve planned a Saturday ride, naturally followed by barbecue and an after-party.

Running: Join the SXSW Runners for morning runs on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They’ll meet near the Susanna Dickinson House, which is by the Convention Center at 5th and Trinity, at 8 am.

Yoga: Slightly more tranquil but just as exhilirating, morning yoga returns to SXSW with 9 am sessions at the Convention Center on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Bowling: Yep, believe it or not, we’re choosing to forego the obvious puns here. It’s geeks in rented shoes, back for the fourth year of the Avalonstar Bowling Extravaganza on Sunday night. New this year: you can bowl for fun, even without a team.

Billiards: If bowling is a bit too active for you, consider Pool 2.0, a 16-team eight-ball billiards tourney at Buffalo Billiards on Sunday night.

While we stick to such arduous events as the All-Day Panel Sit and the Marathon Bar Crawl, it appears everyone else will be out gettin’ all healthy. Ah well, that’s SXSW!

(Psst...if you’re sticking around for the Music festival and feeling a little...er, splashy, perhaps Splash by Splashwest, a secretive “cannonball” party, will be to your liking.)

Advance tickets for Film badge holders this year, Pocket Guide available for download

2009-03-12T17:01:12Z

SXSW Film badge holders already go the head of the line for festival screenings, but for 2009, a limited number of advance tickets will be available for early pick-up at the SXSW Film Box Office in the Austin Convention Center during the day. SXSW has put together a short video explaining the admission and ticketing process for film screenings. We’ve embedded it after the break.

In addition, you can get a jump on planning your screening and panel schedule by downloading the SXSW 2009 Film Pocket Guide as a PDF. A printed copy will be included in registration materials when you pick up a Film badge.

Must-have mobile resources

2009-03-12T13:37:54Z

Here are a few sites to consider bookmarking for your smartphone or other web-capable mobile device to help plan or navigate your SXSW experience.

my.sxsw.com: If you’ve used the official planning application from SXSW to set up a schedule for yourself, the recently-launched mobile version will let you tote it around without keeping track of a fistful of paper. SXSW also offers a second mobile app, rate.sxsw.com, which is a bit vexing. It, too, lets you put together a schedule of panels and other events and, once they’re underway, to “rate” them. (Presumably, the folks at SXSW get this info. Maybe it is intended to replace or augment the panel feedback cards distributed after each session.) However, rate.sxsw doesn’t tie into the schedule you’ve created with my.sxsw, so you should stick with one or the other unless you want to construct your itinerary twice. my.sxsw has a richer feature set; of the two, it seems by far more useful.
SCHED.org: The unofficial planning app from SCHED has one principal advantage over its SXSW-issued counterpart, in that it includes most, if not all, of the unofficial events and parties swirling around the festivals and conferences. The mobile interface is a bit spare and, on my iPhone at least, feels a little creaky. As SCHED grows and matures, though, I’d wager its on-the-go version becomes just as nifty as its web counterpart.
B-Side Festival Genius: The new kid on the SXSW planning application block is Festival Genius, a step up from previous offerings from B-Side. Their mobile site is an easy-to-use reduction of the web version, although it lacks the feature that gives the application its name; it doesn’t appear you can use the mobile version to automagically search for and resolve conflicts among events happening at the same time.
The Unofficial Pocket Guide: Offering schedules of panels and parties for quick reference, this application doesn’t allow you to create a personal schedule but does allow you to add public events not already included. The latter is accomplished by editing a publicly-accessible Google Spreadsheet, which ups the opportunities for mayhem but, hey, we’re all friends here, right?
Razorfish SXSW Guide: A combination schedule reference (again, no facility for making a personal schedule) and city guide, this contains a nice variety of information, from panels and parties to news sources to shopping and survival tips to pointers about what makes Austin truly unique.
MobileATX: Here’s one mobile site that doesn’t include a SXSW schedule, although it does have a nice quick reference to SXSW venues along with Google Maps links that’s easy to navigate and could be a vital resource when you’re rushing from party to party come the Music festival. There are quick links to mobile versions of other local sites too—including Show List Austin—plus social tools such as Flickr, Yelp, Upcoming and more. For the Music attendee, this is a winner.

Do you have a favorite SXSW or Austin-related mobile site we’ve left out? Or a favorite tip for using one of the above to its best advantage? Let us know in the comments!

Trailer Stash: We Live in Public

2009-03-12T11:09:37Z

We Live in Public, a documentary film by Ondi Timoner, will play at SXSW Film 2009 on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the 40th anniversary of the Internet, We Live in Public tells the story of the effect the web is having on our society as seen through the eyes of “the greatest Internet pioneer you’ve never heard of”, visionary Josh Harris. Award-winning director, Ondi Timoner (Dig!), documented his tumultuous life for more than a decade, to create a riveting, cautionary tale of what to expect as the virtual world inevitably takes control of our lives.

Josh Harris, often called the “Warhol of the Web” through the infamous dot.com boom of the 1990’s, founded Pseudo.com, the first Internet television network and created his vision of the future, an underground bunker in NYC where 100 people lived together on camera for 30 days over the millennium. He proved how in the not-so-distant future of life online, we will willingly trade our privacy for the connection and recognition we all deeply desire. Through his experiments, including a six-month stint living under 24-hour live surveillance online which led him to mental collapse, he demonstrated the price we will all pay for living in public.

The Chronicle covers SXSW 2009

2009-03-12T06:24:54Z

The Austin Chronicle turns a shiny spotlight on SXSW each year, and even if the coverage occasionally reads a bit like a family holiday newsletter (the publication and the event do share a parent, after all, in co-founder Louis Black), there are a lot of excellent preview pieces in the SXSWeek editions. Of course, that’s all on the web also, and you’ll find a copy of two of the Chronicle stuffed into the “big bag” you receive at registration.

Right now, attention is paid largely to Interactive and Film, first up on the festival roster. We particularly enjoyed reading Mike Kanin’s cheeky guide to speaking geek, a brief chat with keynoter Nate Silver, this preview of the two “bromance” films vying for your heteroflexible attention and Kimberly Jones’ conversation with three documentary filmmakers whose work will be exhibited at SXSW.

P.S. — a special request to anyone toting a digital SLR around Austin for the next few days: If you happen to bump into Nate Silver, could you ask if he’d mind posing for a shot or two? Nate’s a good looking fella and every single profile we’ve read about him in the past few months seems to rely on the same headshot. We’re just asking for a little variety.

Trailer Stash: Breaking Upwards

2009-03-12T03:48:52Z

Breaking Upwards, starring Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones and directed by Wein, makes its world premiere at SXSW Film.

Breaking Upwards follows a young New York couple who, after four years together, have grown stifled. Desperate to escape their ennui, but fearful of life apart, they decide to intricately strategize their own break up.The film blurs the line between documentary and narrative by casting real life couple (and filmmakers) Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones as themselves. An uncensored look at young love, lust, and the pangs of codependency, Breaking Upwards follows its characters as they navigate each others’ emotions across the city they love. It begs the question: is it ever possible to grow apart together?

Getting started: Registration and badge pickup times

2009-03-11T17:55:29Z

One of the first things you’ll want to do upon arriving in Austin for SXSW is pick up your conference/festival credentials on Level 4 of the Austin Convention Center. Badge pick-up hours are:

Thursday, March 12: 7 pm–10 pm
Friday, March 13: 9 am–9 pm
Saturday, March 14: 9 am–8 pm
Sunday, March 15: 9:30 am–6 pm
Monday, March 16: 9:30 am–6 pm
Tuesday, March 17: 10 am–8 pm
Wednesday, March 18: 10 am–midnight
Thursday, March 19: 9 am–10 pm
Friday, March 20: 10 am–9 pm
Saturday, March 21: 11 am–4 pm

Lines for badge pick-up can be long during peak hours, so be prepared with some lively conversation topics for your line-mates or, for the more misanthropic among you, a good selection of tuneage on your personal music device with noise-cancelling headphones.

You can help expedite the process of receiving your credentials by making sure all of your information is correct in the database at my.sxsw.com and by uploading your badge photograph in advance so you don’t have to stand and model for the camera at the registration desk.

Trailer Stash: Died Young, Stayed Pretty

2009-03-11T08:14:09Z

Died Young, Stayed Pretty will make its U.S. premiere at SXSW Film.

Picking up where punk left off, Died Young, Stayed Pretty reveals a new breed of counter-culturists: artists that set out to destroy the mainstream through their controversial and intensely visceral design work. Under the guise of advertising for rock shows, these unheralded masters of the silkscreen and Xerox machine carry on public discourses that range from hot button political issues to lewd inside jokes. Director Eileen Yaghoobian sneaks her camera into the lives of these self-proclaimed professional radicals to discover where the real punk power lies, if any remains. Presented in the Emerging Visions Category, this feature film is the first of its kind to take a candid look at the renaissance of North America’s underground indie-rock poster movement.

It Came From the Baby! Boards

2009-03-10T20:09:42Z

Over on The Baby! Boards, the inimitable SXSW Baby! discussion forum, there’s lots of good chatter about all aspects of SXSW 2009. Here’s a sampling:

New media grad students at Texas State are covering the conference, giving the Baby! a little run for its money, I tell you what. Today’s entry at their South by Texas State includes a video interview with some of the SXSWi staff.

A Londoner headed to SXSW Music wants to know which acts you’re most excited about seeing.

Interactive panelists and panel leaders are checking in to introduce themselves. Join the conversation!

Librarians and folks working in library-related fields are planning a luncheon meet-up.

Last year’s thread asking “How do you rawk SXSW?” is picking up some great tips this year. Add your own!

James wants to know what looks good to you in the Film line-up.

Dave would like to meet some other folks who work in academia while at Interactive.

There are three SXSW scheduling apps battling for supremacy. (No wagering, please!) Which do you find most useful, and why?

The Baby! Boards are there for you to discuss and plan your SXSW experience. Get in there and start or join the conversation!

Trailer Stash: Objectified

2009-03-10T15:25:31Z

Objectified, a new documentary about product design and product designers from Gary Hustwit, the director of the acclaimed Helvetica, will be making its world premiere at SXSW Film.

Objectified is a feature-length documentary about our complex relationship with manufactured objects and, by extension, the people who design them. It’s a look at the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets. It’s about the designers who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability.

Through vérité footage and in-depth conversations, the film documents the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential product designers, and looks at how the things they make impact our lives. What can we learn about who we are, and who we want to be, from the objects with which we surround ourselves?

Cameron Moll’s tips for conference speaking epic wins

2009-03-09T23:36:02Z

If you’re presenting a SXSW panel, it’s not too late to reduce your “deck”, slightly over-estimate your audience and finesse your style. Designer Cameron Moll has a great list of 20 tips for conference speakers that you might find useful when preparing to wow the crowds in Austin.

Get ready, get set…get packed!

2009-03-09T22:03:35Z

Baby! Sitter Kathryn is taking a break from SXSW this year, but I’ve taken a stab at updating her most excellent “What to Pack, To-Dos, Tips, Tricks, and Things to Remember” guide from last year. Check it out after the break.

In addition, Franco-Canadian UK blogger That Canadian Girl has a few tips of her own that might be especially useful for international visitors to SXSW.

What to Pack, To-Dos, Tips, Tricks, and Things to Remember for SXSW 2009:

LAPTOP: It seems like a no-brainer to bring your computer with you to SXSW. However, you may not want to lug it around while you’re out and about having fun, especially at night. Many people who attend SXSW Interactive prefer leaving their laptops in their hotel rooms, preferring to focus on non-computer activities during the day. Close the laptop, and you might end up learning more and having more fun! But if you absolutely must do some work, there is also abundant and free wireless throughout Austin, like the hotspot in the Downtown Hilton’s lobby. (Personally, I’d hike it out to Halcyon, Jo’s, or The Hideout instead.) Bring any other tech bibs and bobs you can’t live without. Additionally, it might help to clear off some hard drive space and backup your files before you arrive in case you plan on downloading photos to your computer, etc.
CHARGER, POWER STRIP, EXTENSION CORD, ETHERNET CABLE: Don’t be an outlet hog. If your Apple computer’s power brick covers up free outlets, please bring an extension cord. Bring a power strip, if you’re got one, and you’ll be the most popular kid on the block during Interactive. Always Be Charging. Always Be Charging. The Convention Center never seems to have enough handy outlets (and your hotel room might not either). Note that wireless connectivity in the Convention Center can be spotty due to the huge number of people connected at once. Some folks like to bring an ethernet cord, just in case, so they can plug into the wall at the ACC. Each night, before you go to bed, do remember to charge your essential gadgets, like your phone. There’s nothing worse than having a dead or dying phone at SXSW.
LAPTOP BATTERY: Don’t forget your batteries! Put it in a plastic bag if you’re going to check it! Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage.
SWAG: Self-promotional items: got business cards? Moo cards? Stickers? Buttons? Other swag? Bring it! People love free stuff, and that’s how they’ll remember you after SXSW is over.
(NOT TOO FULL) LUGGAGE: Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for all the extra swag you may be bringing home with you.
CAMERA: Digital camera with extra memory cards and charged batteries. And the battery charger, if necessary. And a camera cable or card reader to transfer images. Again, it might help to clear off some hard drive space (and do a backup) before you arrive. Oh, and do turn off the sound on your camera. Nothing says “I’m taking a picture of the panel!” like hearing those little beeps.
CAMERA BATTERY: same goes for camera batteries. If it’s lithium, put it in a separate plastic baggie.
CAMERAPHONE AND FLICKR: iPhone/PDA/Treo/Blackberry and attendant charger. Turn off any annoying sounds or embarrassing notification sounds, or else you’ll drive everyone around you insane from hearing those little iPhone typing sounds or an SMS notification wind chime. Before you leave, set your smartphone up to email photographs to Flickr. I like to set it up so that Flickr automatically adds a “sxsw” or “sxsw 2009” tag, too. Also note that cellular connectivity in the Convention Center can be unreliable due to the huge number of cell phones in one location. I’m guessing AT&T will definitely be spotty with all those iPhones in one confined area at the same time… so don’t be surprised if you can’t get onto Edge or 3G.
SXSW MOBILE SITES AND SXSW SMS: Don’t forget to bookmark the official mobile site sxsw.mobi. Sign up for the SXSW SMS list. Simply text “join” to 47979. You can also look up panels, films, and bands via SMS. Text ‘find panelname’ or ‘find bandname’ or ‘find filmname’ to 47979 to get schedule listings. Adding the short code to your address book makes it even faster!
UPCOMING: Community event site upcoming.yahoo.com is a must if you’re attending SXSW Interactive, as many of the official and unofficial evening events and parties are listed there. Other attendees also self-organize outings to go bowling, visit the Rodeo, or meet like-minded folks. So don’t forget to RSVP to all the cool parties!
TWITTER: Twitter is basically the easiest way to keep in touch with your fellow SXSWers, but people at SXSW are a chatty bunch. I’m hesitant about allowing Twitter to send my friend’s updates to my phone this year, given the high volume of messages sent out last year. Bookmark the mobile Twitter site, m.twitter.com in case the volume gets too high. And if you do have SMS updates on, I recommend setting Twitter off during sleeping hours, say between 1 AM and 8 AM. If you don’t have SMS updates on, you might also want to turn on direct message forwarding to SMS. I hope you all increased your SMS plans with your cellular provider already! You may also want to warn your Twitter friends that you’re going to SXSW, and that it’s OK to unsubscribe from you for a little while. Hint: if you’re on AT&T, dial *DATA# to see your remaining text messages for this billing cycle.
PHONE ADDRESS BOOK: Enter in the numbers of folks to meet up with (handy to have in case SMS or email is too slow). The SXSW Headquarters line is (512) 467-7979. Also enter in the phone number to your hotel’s front desk and airline customer support numbers and bookmark Orbitz Mobile, for airport delay information and flight status, if you’re flying into AUS. I would also add a few Austin taxi companies into your phone, like Austin Yellow Checker Cab, at (512) 452-9999, Austin Cab Company at (512) 478-2222, and Lone Star Cab at (512) 836-4900. In Austin, I’ve had bad luck trying to hail a cab from the street (unlike NYC) so calling ahead is always, always recommended. And in the rare instance that you want to call 411, use Google’s free 411 service, at (800) 466-4411.
CONFIRMATION EMAILS AND SUCH: Just to be safe, bring printouts of your flight itinerary, SXSW 2008 registration confirmation email, hotel confirmation email, perhaps a downtown Austin map, and schedules for public transit options like the free Dillo or inexpensive Airport Flyer. Just in case.
YOUR PERSONALIZED SXSW CALENDAR: By now you probably have a tentative schedule of panels, keynotes, screenings, parties, music showcases, unofficial events, sightseeing, and more from my.sxsw.com or your sched.org calendar. Print it out and/or sync it to your iPhone/PDA/etc. Make sure you have the correct time zone chosen for Austin. I find it’s always good to have a paper copy, just in case. Do one last sweep of the schedule, knowing you may not make it to 50% of the stuff you choose. What you really need at SXSW is both your personal picks and the master lists and schedules. Bring your Plan B, and Plan C, and Plan D, and the knowledge that any of your plans may fly out the window the minute you wake up. Be flexible, but bring a game plan. If you’re really dying to get into something (especially a popular panel or small-capacity party), arrive early.
FREE PARTIES LIST FOR MUSIC: Print out the free day time events from Austin showlist (highly recommended). The Austin showlist has printable pages! Look for the “printable” links above each day. Also, bring pens and a highlighter so you can easily choose what you want to see. I recommend printing out the entire schedule from showlistaustin.com since plans can change very quickly. It’s way easier to make plans for the day during breakfast or find a backup party if you have the entire Showlist schedule with you. As I mentioned earliier, you really need both your personal picks and the master Austin showlist and evening schedules on hand.
MP3 PLAYER: For the plane, an mp3 player, filled with a ton of music from the the unofficial SXSW BitTorrent file. And don’t forget your charger for that device, either!
GOOD SHOES: Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Now is not the time to break in new shoes. You will be standing, a lot, especially if you’re doing SXSW Music. Purchase padded insoles, for shock absorption. Bring multiple pairs of comfortable shoes, so you can air them out and alternate. Closed-toe shoes work better, because Sixth Street gets dirty, and the bars are crowded. Sometimes it rains, so don’t bring any shoes that bleed if they get wet. Leave those flimsy slippers and smelly flip-flops at home.
EARPLUGS: Bring good ear plugs. I like to bring multiple pairs, in case you lose one earplug or have a friend who is unprepared. They don’t take up much space, so why not bring the entire box? This is especially important for the Music Festival. And who knows how good thick walls of your hotel room are?
A RESTED BODY: Get plenty of sleep before SXSW because you’re going to need it. If you arrive in Austin tired, you’re only going to get more tired.
SLEEP MASK: This + earplugs = awesome power nap time! Sometimes you just need a disco nap.
PEN AND PAPER: Handy if you want to take notes old school style. You never know when you’ll need it. Also good for writing on the back of business cards.
COMFORT ITEMS: Chapstick, band-aids, travel size lotion bottles, extra hair ties (if you have long hair), sanitizing hand-gel (Purell travel size), tissues/napkins, floss (for post-BBQ cleanup), breath mints/gum, eye drops, vitamins/Emergen-C, stain stick and handi-wipes (for sticky BBQ messes), and Woolite single wash packets, in case you need to hand wash something. The hand sanitizer is especially handy if you find yourself at an outdoor party with BBQ and only porta-potties during the Music Fest.
SNACKS: If you’re flying, bring some food for the plane. Also consider bringing snacks that are portable, healthy, and non-perishable. Don’t forget that SXSW is a blur of beer, BBQ, and tacos, so some fruits and veggies will be in order at some point. Bring dried fruit, nuts, granola, trail mix, instant oatmeal, apples, oranges, crackers, other things to nosh on, just in case. You probably shouldn’t eat only queso and brisket the entire time you’re there, and you’ll be pressed for time, often. The food in the Convention Center’s tradeshow area...leaves something to be desired. Bonus: if you have a room with a fridge (I think you can get them for a small fee at the Hilton) or kitchenette, visit the Whole Foods (via cab or Dillo) and pick up some healthy snacks and water.
WATER: Stay hydrated. You’re going to be drinking, talking, standing, walking, and more. Drink lots of water, especially if you’re spending a lot of time at open bars. Of which, you’ll probably be doing a lot, so pace yourself. If you’re flying, have an empty water bottle for the plane, so you can get through US security at the airport, and then fill it up later.
MEDICATION: Claritin. Nose sprays. Eye drops. More tissues. It’s springtime in Austin, and that means allergies, thanks to ragweed. Note: there is a CVS on Congress and 5th Street, but the pharmacy is only open Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 am—6:00 pm. This particular CVS location is also closed on Sundays.
MONEY: The average tourist spends $24 a day in Austin. You’ll probably spend more if you’re eating, drinking, and parking or taking cabs. That convention center latte isn’t going to be cheap either. Have lots of small bills on hand and don’t forget to tip the waitstaff! They have to put up with tens of thousands of tourists in their town for 11 days straight.
A COAT AND FLEXIBLE CLOTHING: Dress in layers. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, because SXSW can get quite chilly at night, and the Convention Center is highly air conditioned! Austin spring is very unpredictable. It might be hot and humid the whole time you’re there, or it might be overcast and drizzling. Dress code tends towards the casual but hip. Pack accordingly.
RAIN PLAN: An umbrella or rain poncho, in case of sudden thunderstorms. Yes, it does happen! And it’s not pretty, especially if you’re at an outdoor show and it starts hailing on the band playing.
HUMOR, PATIENCE, AND A SMILE: Please don’t forget these at home. Be friendly. And know that even if you didn’t get into that one panel, party, screening, show, or club, there’s plenty of fun elsewhere during SXSW.

TO DO AS SOON AS YOU GET TO AUSTIN

BREATHE: in that sweet Texas air! Mmmm.
LODGINGS: Go check into your hotel as soon as possible. Drop your bags off.
REGISTER: Go stand in line at the Convention Center to get your badge as soon as possible (lines will get long, heinously long) and bring a pen or something to fill out the registration form.
GET THE BAG: Go get your “big bag” of conference materials (this is heavy, and usually filled with swag), go back to the hotel, and empty it out. I usually take out the conference guides/schedules, the Austin Chronicle, and party invites, and leave the rest for *cough* later. The pocket guides are key to SXSW survival. You can fill up your iCal all you want, but sometimes, you need the pocket guide. Don’t lose it! They run out every year. Platinum badgeholders, note that the SXSW Music pocket guides and materials often aren’t ready until a few days into the Interactive/Film conferences.
BREATHE AGAIN: Take a nap or grab a quiet beer before the insanity starts.
GET THE PAPER: Going to SXSW Music? If you don’t have a music badge, make sure you have a copy of the Austin Chronicle (Austin’s free alt-weekly) as they’ll have the entire showcase schedule printed up inside. This can easily be removed, and folded up. Also don’t forget to cut off the “tail” of your wristband.
GET READY: Expect exhaustion — relax when you get home! You can always sleep on the plane. Right?
GO: And most importantly be ready to: have fun, introduce yourself to strangers, to sleep too little, eat far too well, listen a whole bunch, think so hard your brain hurts, get way too excited, mix and mingle with tons of fascinating people, trade business cards, put names to faces to URLs, take a lot of photographs, drink lots of Shiner or Lone Star or Red Stripe or what have you, rock out, smile until your face hurts, make bundles of new friends, expand your blogroll like nobody’s business, fill up your brain with all sorts of new ideas, talk too much, see a lot of exciting and cool and inspiring things, have a ton of fun, and network like you’ve never done before.

Austin, here we come!